WaterSmart program reduces depot water use by 70% at New Preston
Yarra Trams has reduced water use at its New Preston Depot by almost 70%, saving 6.6 million litres annually after joining the WaterSmart program. The savings equate to enough water to fill 20 E-class trams. The depot services Melbourne’s E-class fleet and includes automated tram wash facilities.
The reduction followed the installation of smart data loggers by Yarra Valley Water under the Victorian Government-funded program. These devices monitored water usage patterns across the site. As a result, the system identified an irregular spike in water use between 4am and 5am.
Investigations traced the increase to the tram wash backflush system, which maintains cleaning performance. Subsequently, Yarra Trams adjusted the backflush cycle to 15 minutes. This operational change now saves approximately 18,200 litres of water each day without affecting cleaning outcomes.
Yarra Trams Environment Manager Renée Karlson said the monitoring data directly informed the changes. “The data logger at New Preston helped us reduce water used by our tram wash by almost 70%, helping us deliver on our commitment to sustainability and reduce our environmental impact,” she said.
Yarra Valley Water General Manager Retail Services Lisa Anelli said the outcome highlights the program’s role in addressing current conditions. “Melbourne’s water storages have now dropped below 68%, due to prolonged hot, dry conditions, so it’s crucial we take every step we can to conserve water,” she said.
She added that operational adjustments supported by accurate data can deliver measurable results. “Yarra Trams shows how a small operational change, backed by good data, can deliver significant savings. Programs like WaterSmart give businesses a clear picture on how water is being used and where efficiencies can be found, saving money and helping protect precious water supplies.”
WaterSmart program supports high water users across industries
The WaterSmart program is funded by the Victorian Government and delivered by water corporations. It supports high water users across sectors, including healthcare, aged care, councils, sporting facilities and industrial sites. These organisations receive digital monitoring and one-off site audits to identify inefficiencies.
Participants typically reduce costs through leak detection, equipment upgrades and operational changes. On average, businesses save around $900 per year through program participation.
In the 2024/25 financial year, participating Yarra Valley Water customers saved 70 million litres of water. They also reduced water bills by a combined $366,000.
Yarra Valley Water services more than 2 million people and over 62,000 businesses across a 4,000 square kilometre area. The organisation manages infrastructure valued at $6.6 billion, including around 22,000 kilometres of water, recycled water and sewer mains.
